CS411: Non-Standard Computing

Unit 2: Molecular ComputationThe first part of this unit covers the structure and manipulation of
DNA for computational purposes. Then, we discuss the development of
biocomputers and biologically derived materials to perform computational
functions. In order to understand biocomputers better, we list some
elementary concepts and building blocks of supramolecular chemistry.
The last part of the unit shows a video about the workings of a DNA
computer.

Unit 2 Time Advisory
This unit will take approximately 13 hours to complete.

☐ Subunit 2.1: 3 hours

☐ Subunit 2.2: 3 hours

☐ Subunit 2.3: 3 hours

☐ Subunit 2.4: 3 hours

☐ Unit 2 Assessment: 1 hour

Unit2 Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

Describe DNA for computational purposes, and list the operations of
DNA.

Describe the advantages of DNA-based computers.

Explain the technological hurdles of DNA computation.

Explain the differences between bio-electronic, biochemical, and
biomechanical computers.

Explain the basic concepts and building blocks of supramolecular
chemistry.

Instructions: Read the webpage to learn about the structure and
manipulation of DNA, about the operations of DNA sequences, and
about DNA computing models. Make sure you understand the
shortcomings of DNA computation. This reading covers subunits 2.1.1
through 2.1.5.

Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use
displayed on the webpage above.

Instructions: Read this webpage to learn about the development of
biocomputers and biologically derived materials to perform
computational functions. Pay particular attention to the
differences among bio-electronic, biochemical, and biomechanical
computers. This reading covers subunits 2.2.1 through 2.2.7.

2.2.1 Scientific Background2.2.2 Biochemical Computers2.2.3 Biomechanical Computers2.2.4 Bioelectronic Computers2.2.5 Engineering Biocomputers2.2.6 Economical Benefit of Biocomputers2.2.7 Notable Advancements in Biocomputer Technology
- Reading: Biocomputers
The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion
of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to
fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please
submit it here.

Instructions: Read this webpage to learn about the concepts and
building blocks of supramolecular chemistry. Please pay particular
attention to section five “Applications,” which provides examples of
how supramolecular chemistry is used. This reading covers subunits
2.3.1 through 2.3.3.

2.3.1 Concepts in Supramolecular Chemistry2.3.2 Building Blocks of Supramolecular Chemistry2.3.3 Applications2.4 Bio-molecular Computing of Finite-State Automata
- Assessment: The Saylor Foundation's "CS411: Unit 2 Quiz"
The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion
of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to
fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please
submit it here.

Instructions: Watch this video to learn what a DNA computer is and
to see some examples of how a DNA computer works. Please take notes
as you watch the video and review portions of the video as necessary
to make sure you understand each concept. This should take
approximately 3 hours of study time.

Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. It is
attributed to videolectures.net and the original version can be
found here.